EFFECT OF WEIGHT ON CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASE

Involuntary weight gains worsen all elements of the cardiovascular ris k profile, including dyslipidemia, hypertension, insulin-resistant glu cose intolerance, left-ventricular hypertrophy, hyperuricemia, and ele vated fibrinogen. On the basis of data from the Framingham Heart Study and from other studies, it can be concluded that the degree of overwe ight is related to the rate of development of cardiovascular disease. After 26 y of follow-up in the Framingham study, each SD increment in relative weight was associated with 15% and 22% increases in cardiovas cular events in men and women, respectively. Avoidance of weight gain after the age of 25 y is advisable to reduce cardiovascular mortality. There is a great potential benefit to weight loss, suggesting that we ight control as a means for preventing and lessening cardiovascular di sease become a national health priority. The optimal weight for avoida nce of cardiovascular disease and prolonging Life corresponds to a bod y mass index of 22.6 for men and 21.1 for women.